Introduction
The Business Administration – Business Analytics Concentration provides students with the knowledge and expertise needed to transform complex data into valuable insights that drive strategic decision-making. Through this program, students will unlock the full potential of statistical tools and analytical methods to extract valuable insights from complex data, master the application of cutting-edge models, and interpret results to make informed decisions. Additionally, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience to prepare them for the challenges of the modern business environment.
Learning Competency Goals
- Demonstrate breadth of business knowledge
- Produce quality business documents
- Analyze problems using an ethical perspective
- Analyze the legal implications of business decisions
- Critically analyze problems and defend resolutions
- Solve business problems using quantitative techniques
- Apply a global perspective in conducting business
- Identify and analyze social consequences of business activities
- Understand the importance of environmental sustainability
Why Consider a Business Analytics Concentration in Business Administration Major?
In today’s fast-paced and data-driven business landscape, the demand for skilled business analysts is skyrocketing as organizations across industries harness the power of data to fuel innovation and stay competitive. As businesses continue to prioritize data-driven approaches to enhance efficiency and growth, pursuing a career in Business Analytics is an essential step for anyone looking to thrive in this dynamic and high-demand field.
Student Resources
Department website: Decision Sciences
Contact information: Sherri Nelson, Interim Department Manager, Parks Hall 343, 360-650-3275, OfficeDSCI@wwu.edu
Department advising: Visit the Advising section of the Decision Sciences website.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample careers: Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Financial Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, AI & Machine Learning Consultant
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
To apply for the Business Administration - Business Analytics Concentration as a pre-major, provisional major, or full major, students must complete the online application form.
Pre-major
Students who have not completed their foundation coursework may apply to the College and be given pre-major status. Pre-major status is granted to students who meet the following requirements:
- Minimum 2.50 cumulative college-level GPA, including transfer coursework.
- Minimum 2.50 Western cumulative GPA.
- Students must be in good academic standing with a minimum 2.00 Western cumulative GPA.
Pre-majors may only enroll in foundation or core courses and will be monitored by the College. Students nearing full major status will be contacted via email and asked to complete an additional application for the concentration.
Full major
To declare a full major in Business Analytics, students must:
- Complete all foundation courses.
- Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA, including all transfer coursework.
- Have a minimum 2.50 Western cumulative GPA.
Selection Process
In the event that the department needs to implement an admission process due to capacity constraints, a Decision Sciences faculty admission committee will review all applications. Admission to the concentration is based on:
- Available space in the program
- Academic performance (Western GPA is the primary factor)
- Performance in business courses at Western
- Trends in academic performance and related work experience
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
